Name: Mariana Glenn-Toland
Hometown: Union, South Carolina
Year/Major: Senior, psychology major/crime, law and society minor in the Honors College
What CofC organizations you have been involved with?
- Students 4 Support
- Student Ambassadors
- HSS LEAP
- Psi Chi
- Phi Kappa Phi
- Omicron Delta Kappa
- Mental Health in Melanin
- UPLIFT Club
- Kids on Point
CofC awards or honors:
- Charles Kaiser Award for Outstanding Psychology Student – October 2020
- Honors College Swanson Scholarship Recipient 2020-21
- The College of Charleston Department of Psychology William Bischoff Memorial Scholarship – March 2020
- Honors College Pinckney Honors Program Scholarship – July 2018
Mariana Glenn-Toland
Why did you choose the College of Charleston? I chose the College of Charleston because I recognized the value of a liberal arts education. I loved that it was located in a place of opportunity — downtown Charleston, and I was impressed by the success of College of Charleston graduates.
What’s the most surprising thing about your CofC experience so far? The most surprising thing about my CofC experience so far is that a large amount of learning occurs outside of the classroom through experiences such as employment opportunities, organization involvement and networking throughout the community.
What advice do you have for incoming students? College is a continuous journey of finding balance where you are. Don’t forget to offer yourself grace throughout the journey.
What drew you to study psychology? When I was growing up, I noticed that mental health issues were heavily prevalent but were not typically addressed. Therefore, I decided that I wanted to become an educated mental health advocate. After doing research, I decided that studying psychology would provide me with an adequate education, that I would also enjoy, to be able to ultimately serve as an equipped advocate.
What’s your favorite location on campus and why? The swing located on the Honors College porch. The swing reminds me of home and I am able to take in the view of the campus.
What’s something your CofC classmates would be surprised to know about you? Before I wanted to become a psychologist, I wanted to become a fiction author.
What are your hobbies? I like to read for enjoyment, do nails, paint, write for enjoyment, drink hot tea and watch sitcoms.
What is your favorite place to eat near campus? Chopsticks
What’s the best class you’ve ever taken? Embodied Writing: Engaging the Dance-Thinker was the best class I have taken. It provided a breath of fresh air from sitting at a desk for an entire class period. It incorporated movement into learning, which challenged my body to move and my mind to grow.
What’s the hardest class you’ve ever taken? Behavioral Neuroscience was the hardest class I have taken because it had a hard science focus and I am drawn more to soft science topics.
What do you consider your biggest achievement as a member of the CofC community? I believe my biggest achievement as a member of the CofC community is sharing knowledge from my personal experiences with my peers who may have had different experiences.
As a senior in your final semester, what are your plans for life after college? I ultimately plan to obtain my Ph.D. in clinical psychology and become board certified in forensic psychology. However, I plan to take a break in between my undergraduate and graduate career. During this time, I plan to secure a position that helps me further define my interests in the field of psychology.
